Make a difference. Become a carer.

Carers for children and young people in out-of-home care provide safety and support to those who need it most. 

At Carers for Kids NSW, we’re here to support you on that journey.  

We work with foster and kinship carers, guardians and adoptive parents from out-of-home care, providing access to: 

  • A dedicated Carer Support team 
  • Helpful resources, 1:1 coaching and practical guidance 
  • Free training from the moment you begin your recruitment journey 

Ready to get started? 

There are several ways to take the next step towards becoming a carer: 

Attend an Information Session 
Join one of our online Information Sessions. It’s an opportunity to hear about the process of becoming an authorised carer and to hear real stories from current carers. View upcoming sessions and register here. 

Contact the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) 
DCJ is a government department that supports children and young people in out-of-home care and has a dedicate team for foster care enquiries. You can reach them by: 

  • Phone: 1300 770 240 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) 
  • Website: Visit DCJ online to access their enquiry form and learn more about becoming a foster carer 

Connect with a local foster care agency 
Under the NSW Permanency Support Program, foster care services are delivered by both government and non-government partners to work together in the best interests of children. 

Find an agency in your area by using the interactive NSW map on our website. Click your district to see which agencies operate locally, then contact your chosen agency directly to begin the recruitment process. They’ll be your main contact throughout the process. 

Support for Aboriginal prospective carers 

If you’re an Aboriginal prospective carer, you can: 

  • Ask the DCJ foster care team to refer you to an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) via phone 1300 770 240 or email fosteringwithdcj@dcj.nsw.gov.au 
  • Reach out to AbSec on 1800 888 698 for support 
  • Or contact Carers for Kids NSW on 1300 782 975 for more information 

If you have any questions at any stage, our team is here to help.